I know a thing or two about traumatic brain injury. The death yesterday of Natasha Richardson from a simple fall, reminded me again of how much I learned last May when I sustained a serious brain bleed, fractured ribs and various other bruises and contusions.
This news story brought back bad memories of the days and months following my head long launch off the front of my bike onto a dirt trail. I still have no memory of the actual accident.
I awoke lying in the dirt, and immediately thought, “I’m going to have to walk my bike home,” and then realized I didn’t have a clue where “home” was! That’s when a kind and wise bystander stepped up and said to me, “Stay down, the ambulance is on the way.”
I weaved in and out of consciousness for the next few hours as the emergency staff assessed my condition with various X-rays and CAT scans. Every time I re-gained consciousness I would note the time on the clock up above me and think, “Wow, another hour has already passed. Amazing!”
There are only two things I remember clearly about my ER experience. One was how they had to cut off my favorite shirt, and the other was telling the nurse not to call my husband until I could speak to him personally. I knew he would totally FREAK OUT, and he did.
I then spent 24 hours in the neurosciences unit of the hospital until my brain stopped bleeding internally. The first time I tried to stand up, I passed out immediately. I still have no memory of that experience either. However, I will NEVER forget how painful the continual brain scans were because of the position of my ribs in the gurney! Laying flat on my back still hurts even today!
My recovery was slow and very painful. Just lying in bed hurt for at least a month and it was difficult to distract myself because I could not do anything with my brain. I also collected fluids around my lungs and had to have a thoracentesis in June. The long-term trauma symptoms continued for at least six months (hair loss, strange hormonal surges and bouts of unexplainable tears, etc.)
My brain slowly began to feel somewhat normal, but the long-term symptoms still disturb me even today. I occasionally have trouble remembering simple words if they are ones I don’t use regularly, and my ribs are still so sore I cannot do a proper sit-up. I think my recent lower back problems are also related.
However, the sad story of Natasha Richardson and her family reminded me again of how truly fortunate I have been. I know now that it completely depends which part of your head hits the ground first and the angle of the blow. I hit at the top of my left cheek and that cushioned my head strike. Of course my cheek bone was sore for at least eight months!
The lesson is clear: Be careful out there and PROTECT YOUR BRAIN!!!
You only get one of them!!!
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I’m so glad it worked out OK for you. And you are so right about the message.
I used to ride a mountain bike (both in the city and offroad), and the first lesson I learned was: never, ever get on your bicycle without wearing a helmet. It may not look cool to wear one, but I know people who would not be here today if they hadn’t been.
I understand that Canada is in the process of enacting laws requiring helmets to be worn by skiers. Many US states have similar laws, especially with regard to motorbikes. There is still a lot of resistance by bikers. Me, I’d rather be alive, with my brain intact.
Reading this took me back to my own stint in the ER and ICU and Rehab ….after I had a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. And hearing about Natasha Richardson took me back there as well. T’ain’t fun…!
My daughter has left this afternoon to spend the weekend with a group of people who go mountain bike competing. She will be taking photographs – not riding. When I see some of the courses these people ride on, and the speed with which they do it I am always amazed that not more are hurt. Almost a year ago, after getting out of a car, my man died instantly from a head injury after he slipped and hit his head on a rock on a river causeway. It only takes a knock on the wrong spot. You’re a lucky woman Laura.
Thanks for your stories and support. I have a sneaking suspicion that I’m having various after-effects from my own head trauma which was now a full 10 months ago!
I need to keep in mind how lucky I am to be here at all!
Laura Lee
Really scary experience you had! I fell on the ice this winter and went down really fast and broke my elbow. It if had been my head, who knows?
Thank you for posting this about TBI!!!! i have had alot of experience with it. My hsband, my father and more recently my 13 yr old son last summer! I am a huge advocate for it and am taking on an educator role for it (whether i want to or not–lol) to teach not only my family and friends about the realities fo brain injuries but also our schools!
Maybe (unfortunately) with a celebrity face to it now– there will be more brought out about this silent and crippling injury and how it affects not only the survivors but the family and communities!
I know 10 months seems like a long time, but I infured my knee about 2 years ago. It has only been in the last 6 months that my knee hasn’t given me any grief. I thought I was stuck with my dicky knee, but it seems OK. I think you’re still healing, Laura.